AI technology has lived up to its potential benefits and then some regarding its use in EV charging. AI-driven predictive analytics are already boosting battery life, making charging cycles more efficient, and adjusting the battery’s energy consumption as driver behavior changes — and much more.
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Leading EV infrastructure companies using AI to optimize every aspect of charging and performance are transforming the EV charging industry. Let’s look at some of the companies that are driving change in AI usage in EV charging.
1. Utilidata
Studies have shown that the US grid isn’t quite ready for prime time when it comes to widespread EV adoption. The University of Michigan has put Utilidata’s AI chips to work in a study evaluating how EV charging affects the electrical grid.
These chips collect data on “real-time voltage, current, and power data at the edge of the grid,” as a Here.com piece notes. This widespread data collection enables the researcher to detect charging patterns, allowing them to project how the grid would perform when more EVs are on the road.
2. Tesla
As Xcelerate Auto’s Gail Alfar points out, Tesla pairs its human engineers with AI software to analyze battery problems, optimize performance, and maintain battery health across all components. The engineers use AI to inspect components for defects and any deviations from the battery’s specifications, simulate and then evaluate design options, and quickly identify anomalies and patterns that could affect battery performance.
At Tesla, that testing includes subjecting the batteries’ components to the point of failure to see how they perform in less-than-ideal conditions. AI technology speeds the evaluation process along, enabling the human half of the team to arrive at an improved product.
That process has already yielded a breakthrough in EV charging optimization through its proprietary Trip Planner. That tool uses AI software to navigate drivers toward the nearest Supercharger location on long trips. That’s not all Trip Planner does. Through the power of AI, it also preconditions the car’s battery for charging, providing it with optimal charging conditions, says Alfar.
3. Volkswagen Group
This German carmaker has invested a massive amount of its capital into AI- and machine learning (ML)-driven technologies, digitalizing its business processes to make its cars — and the batteries that drive them — more efficient than ever. Using deep reinforcement learning, the company’s AI software deploys Porsche Engineering Reinforcement Learning (PERL), a proprietary machine learning program, to “understand systemic relationships and make strategic decisions,” as AI Magazine’s George Hopkin explains.
The advantage, of course, is speed. With its AI technology’s capability to crunch huge amounts of data added to its machine learning component’s ability to make dependable decisions, Volkswagen has indeed taken AI engineering to a whole new level.
4. SECO
SECO’s Edge AI charging station management software uses predictive AI technology and advanced monitoring to detect imminent maintenance needs, reducing downtime and repair costs. That’s just on the charging station’s end. Its data analysis capabilities also enable it to provide customers with real-time service status, availability within a drivable distance, payment options, and whether there’s an open charging point for their EV.
Data processing mainly occurs at the charging station level, so only a small percentage of data goes into the cloud. This feature makes faster data collection possible, so both charging station operators and customers have the latest information in hand.
This intuitive software can also integrate with monitors and cameras to target more relevant ads to customers while they charge their cars. Age and mood recognition can help personalize the charging experience, providing each customer with promotions for deals they’ll likely jump on and ads for products they’d like to buy.
5. Go Eve
Irish-British startup Go Eve focused on the needs of EV fleet operators to develop a DC fast charging system at scale. A boon for both fleet owners and car park operators, the company’s DockChain provides DC fast charging in every parking space at a cost similar to Level 2 AC chargers.
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As their needs change, fleet owners can easily add or remove charge points with DockChain. Since DockChain is available as EV charging-as-a-service (EV CaaS), owners only pay a monthly fee per charging space.
The technology behind this innovation is well worth a mention. The Go Eve team refers to DockChain as a “chargepoint multiplier,” meaning it can electrify many parking spaces from a single power source using “a daisy chain of inexpensive and simple charging points.” Pairing it with a rapid DC charger turns on the power to charge points in every parking space in a car park or fleet storage area. And, even better, Go Eve also offers its customers V2G options. The company plans to install its first US chain-linked chargers in early 2024.
6. Coulomb AI
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An Indian startup company, Coulomb AI, developed an AI-driven solution to optimize EV battery performance and extend its useful life. With real-time analytics that detect potential problems and corrective actions owners can take to keep breakdowns at bay, owners can expect near 100% uptime and longer battery life.
Its comprehensive analysis uses data modeling, machine learning, and electrothermal factors to predict any anomalies that might lead to premature aging or even fires. Additionally, it makes a “digital twin” of the EV’s batteries to provide owners with up-to-the-minute information about a battery’s eventual degradation. Even better, once a battery reaches the point at which it can no longer power a car, Coulomb AI helps owners transition their batteries to second-life applications, such as powering other devices or appliances with their remaining power.
7. Sakuu
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Combining AI with 3D printing, US-based Sakuu developed a manufacturing platform that uses recycled materials to print lithium-metal EV batteries. After a battery comes off the assembly line, the company’s AI software checks it for quality. Since AI software can perform quality control faster than human inspectors, production can occur at a faster rate for less money.
8. Mobilyze
This European company uses AI to determine charging station sites that are most likely to yield a hefty profit for charging station owners. So far, the service is only available in Europe, but the concept is so compelling that it (or a similar company) could also prove a profitable venture on this side of the Atlantic.
Using counts of local traffic and competitor locations, Mobilyze’s solution can predict ROI for a new charging station in a given site. With that information, startups and expanding companies can have a better shot at investor funds.
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